The ECS State Accountability Database documents the metrics used by states to measure school performance (what gets measured), the information and metrics schools must report to the public on their report cards (what gets reported), and the type of system used to rate the schools.

Highlights:

All states and DC measure student achievement

All states and DC measure graduation rates

Fourteen states assign or plan soon to assign A-F letter grades based on school performance

Four states include growth of the highest-achieving students in calculating school performance

Click on the
map below or select
a state: Use left sidebar to browse 50-state reports.

How the database was developed:

In compiling information, ECS searched state statutes and regulations. If no statute or regulation could be found, we relied on current state department of education descriptions, Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) waivers accepted by the US Department of Education, or current state department of education report cards. In cases where states are currently in the process of phasing in new accountability and/or reporting metrics, ECS included the furthest out phase of changes. It’s important to note that the information is state-level information. Districts may measure or report on additional metrics, which is not reflected in this database.

NOTE:

To create a common language, some metrics were consolidated where it made sense and ECS staff made judgment calls where necessary. For example: Attendance – includes chronic absenteeism and truancy; Assessments – always assumes test participation percentages; Other – any measure used by one to two states (e.g. fitness test results); College readiness might be specified in general terms or laws might add specific measures such as ACT/SAT scores or AP credits earned. In the latter case, all measures were included.

Staff contact:

As with any compilation of information across the 50 states, the information is only as good as the information available. We welcome any corrections, additions, or changes. Contact: Jennifer Thomsen (303-299-3633 or jthomsen@ecs.org).